ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Finance Commission
Finance Commission meets CAG
The 15th Finance Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh today met with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India , Shri Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the Office of CAG.
The main issues that were discussed during the meeting included - Fiscal Transparency-Lack of underlying conceptual framework under-reporting of Deficit, Debt; Potential risks of absence of revenue deficit as a target; Quality of Capital Expenditure; Asset accounting; Suggestions on Public Expenditure Management; Impact of GST on Revenue; Discussion on Local Bodies; Commitment towards standards based accounting-GASAB.
Further, the issue of fiscal transparency in the fiscal reporting of the Union and State Governments was discussed especially in the light of increasing trend of off-budget and extra-budgetary resource raising by the governments. CAG highlighted the fiscal risks due to non-transparency.
International standards and amended FRBM Act, 2003 prescribes the inclusion of such off-budget resources to be included in the definition of debt. However, its completeness and reliability in the present form has been a concern for the CAG.
The CAG presented the details on the quality of capital expenditure by various levels of government and the underlying inconsistency in measuring and capturing capital spending.
The CAG also highlighted the need for reforms in government accounting by moving towards standard based accounting in the government.
Apart from above, some insights and observations drawn from CAG’s report of Union and State Governments on expenditure patterns, GST revenue, capital expenditure etc. were presented to the Commission.
The Commission is slated to meet the CAG again soon.
Ministry of Finance
Buoyant GST collection shows that we are on path to economic recovery: Union Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Bhagwat Karad
Two-day National Tax Conference inaugurated in Pune
Exceeding expectations of Rs. 1 lakh crore GST collection, we have achieved Rs. 1.30 lakh GST collection; this shows that we are on the path to economic recovery. This was stated by the Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Bhagwat Karad in Pune today. He was addressing the National Tax Conference, organized jointly by Maharashtra Tax Practitioners Association, All India Federation of Tax Practitioners, Goods and Service Tax Practitioners Association of Maharashtra and North Maharashtra Tax Practitioners Association.
The conference discussed issues including appeal under GST, faceless tax assessment. The Minister noted that it is a welcome practice to organize such conferences on a regular basis.
The Minister said that the Prime minister has advised us to focus on the three pillars of financial inclusion, financial literacy and digital transaction. He recalled the words of former president Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam that taxpayers are nation builders. “India's national budget which used to be Rs. 17 lakh crore 7 years ago has more than doubled under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This was made possible because of honest taxpayers; tax practitioners are chief motivators for this compliance.”
The Union Minister said that we have to keep taking precautions against COVID-19, though a third wave of corona is unlikely.
Shri Karad added that there were some hiccups in GST implementation when it was introduced four years ago, but with feedback and suggestions from tax practitioners these problems are being ironed out gradually. “The aim is to make a New India which has health, wealth and infrastructure. Finance is the most important part of it. Our aim is to create clean and clear system which brings transparency in tax collection.”
President of CREDAI, Satish Magar; Chairman of MTPA, Shri Narendra Sonawane; Shri Sreeniwas Rao of AIFTP; President of MTPA, Shri Manoj Chitalikar were present on this occasion.
Ministry of Steel
Union Steel Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh Reviews Marketing Strategies of Steel CPSEs at a High Level Meeting
Urges CPSEs to Contribute to Infrastructure Projects of National Importance
The Union Steel Minister, Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, chaired a meeting withCMDs of Steel CPSEs here today to review their marketing strategies and futureplans. The Minister reviewed the marketing and sales strategies adopted by thecompanies including its roadmap in the context of future expansion/diversificationplans. The Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Secretary, Shri Pradip Kumar Tripathi were also present in themeeting.
The Steel Minister was apprised by the respective CPSE about the marketing strategies in place for the domestic as well as for the export market for their various products. The Minister directed the Steel CPSEs to have a system in place for real-timeassessment of the changes in the demand, supply, pricing trends, degree ofcompetition, etc. for their various products for arriving at the best suited marketingstrategies. He suggested for aggressive marketing of their products. The Steel Minister stressed the need for the CPSEs to wholeheartedlycontribute to the ongoing and future infrastructure projects of national importanceand other important projects viz. Bharatmala, Sagarmala, Roads Projects, Railwaysdedicated freight corridors, dams construction and projects in the energy sector.
The Minister further advised the CPSEs to lay more emphasis on branding of the products and utilize all available advertising opportunities to popularise theirproducts. The Minister directed the companies to involve themselves constantly withthe dealers/distributors, agents, customers, etc. and work towards expanding theirreach to the common man in small towns/cities and villages.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating Asia’s largest '750 MW Rewa Solar Project' to the nation
This key futuristic project reinforces Modi government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat - Shri Amit Shah
Union Home Minister added that Rewa Solar Project reaffirms India’s resolve to achieve the target of 175 GW installed renewable energy capacity by 2022
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating Asia's largest '750 Megawatt  Rewa Solar Project' to the nation.
In his tweet, Shri Amit Shah said, this key futuristic project reinforces Modi government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Union Home Minister also added that Rewa Solar Project reaffirms India’s commitment towards achieving the target of 175 Gigawatt  installed renewable energy capacity by 2022.
The dedication of '750 Megawatt  Rewa Solar Project' is yet another step-in making India self-reliant in energy security in the future. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 30th November 2015, at the 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties  in Paris, France had launched the International Solar Alliance.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Tripura legislators' delegation meets DoNER Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
A delegation of MLAs from Tripura of the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura  led by two senior State Ministers, Shri N.C. Debbarma and Shri Mevar Kumar Jamatia, called on the Union Minister of State  for Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today.
In a memorandum presented to the Minister, the delegation sought to bring to notice the social, economic, cultural, linguistic and other issues related to the indigenous population of Tripura. They also referred to a high-level committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in September 2018.
The memorandum lauded the Central Government led by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for having taken the initiative for amendment of VI Schedule of the Constitution of India, the draft of which was approved by the Union Cabinet in January, 2019. While welcoming the proposed new provision, the memorandum offered suggestions regarding the nomenclature of the different District Councils.
Giving a patient hearing to the delegation,Dr Jitendra Singhsaid since most of the suggestions pertain to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he will forward the same to the concerned Ministry.However, Dr Jitendra Singh added, the developmental activity has pickedup at a fast pace in Tripura in the last three years. The security situation has also improved and no incidents of violence have been reported. He also referred to the ambitious rail project of the train to Bangladesh from Agartala to Akhaura.
Ministry of Home Affairs
DISHA BILL
The Andhra Pradesh Disha  Bill, 2020 has been received for assent of the President of India. As per practice, Bills received from States for assent of President are processed in consultation with the nodal Ministries/Departments. Accordingly, the consultation process with various Ministries/Departments concerned with the Bill has been initiated. Comments/ Observations received from these nodal Ministries/ Departments have been shared with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for their clarifications. The clarifications from State Government have not been received.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
International Financial Services Centres Authority  issues Request For Proposal  for Supervisory Technology  System
The International Financial Services Centres Authority  has been established as a unified financial sector regulator at GIFT-IFSC, Gandhinagar, Gujarat for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres  in India.
IFSCA seeks to implement a state-of-the-art Information Technology  platform that would leverage technology to promote ease of doing business for the stakeholders, reduce the cost of compliance for supervised entities and position IFSCA as a progressive regulator with a best-in-class Supervisory Technology  system. The SupTech system shall cover administrative, compliance, supervision, and enforcement framework for its regulated entities. The SupTech system will enable IFSCA to collaborate with other sectoral financial regulators in India and abroad through Application Programming Interface  based machine to machine communication or integration, as appropriate.
In this regard, IFSCA intends to select an IT Service Provider  to design, develop, implement, operate, and maintain the Supervisory Technology  System of IFSCA and has issued RFP for the said purpose. The project duration is planned to be around 72 months comprising 12 months of implementation from the date of onboarding of SP, and 60 months of operations and maintenance.
The detailed scope of RFP is available at e-Procurement portal https://ifsca.enivida.com. The notice inviting tender for Selection of Service Provider for SupTech System of IFSCA can be accessed at https://ifsca.gov.in/home/TenderList.
Ministry of Defence
219TH FOUNDATION DAY OF ORDNANCE FACTORY
Kolkata, March 17, 2020.
The Ordnance Factories are observing their 219th foundation day on the March 18 2020. Shri Hari Mohan, Director General of Ordnance Factories and Chairman of Ordnance Factory Board said due to Covid-19 disease all types of programme are cancelled. Today in a press conference held here, he said from the beginning the OFB has evolved into one of the largest defence manufacturing conglomerates in the world with more than 90% of indigenous content and a strong technological and R&D infrastructure.
The highlight of the previous year, the handing over of "Dhanush" 155 x 42 artillery gun system to the Army, was followed this year by the dedication of the up-gunned version of the 1950s vintage Russian 130mm to 150X45 calibre known as "Sharang" at the recently concluded DEFEXPO at Lucknow. In addition, a number of products such as electronic fuzes, 40mm under Barrel Grenade Launcher Ammunition, the 5.56 X 30 mm Joint Venture Protection Carbine  alpha version, the 7.62 X 51 mm belt fed light machine gun . The OFB is currently developing many critical weapon systems which entail mastery over cutting edge technologies.
In the field of artillery, the twin successes of "Dhanush" and "Sharang" have been followed by the development of the 155 X 52 mounted gun system  which is undergoing internal validation trials. Another significant achievement is the successful trial of 155 X 52 barrels.
Another significant achievement is the development of the Commander Thermal Imaging  sights for T-72 and T-90 tanks, thereby enhancing the night fighting capability of these tanks.
A majority of the R&D work being carried out by the Ordnance Factories is in collaboration with the DRDO and premium institutes such as the IITs. OFB has entered into an agreement with IIT Madras to develop Center of Excellence for ammunition at IIT Chennai which will power the development of futuristic ammunition such as precision guided ammunition. OFB has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding  with the CSIR for advanced research.
CG/SS
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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
International Conference on Packaging at Packmach Asia 2022, and Buyer Seller meet in Mumbai
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in partnership with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organizing Mega International Conference on Packaging at Packmach Asia and Buyer Seller meet from 7-9 December, 2022 at Mumbai.
In the Inaugural session today Senior officers of the Ministry, PHDCCI, IPMMI, IIP, DGFT, foreign delegates/speakers from Sri Lanka, UK, Germany, Bangladesh, Italy, Ghana, Nepal, Bhutan, Kenya, Spain, Australia, Myanmar and industry representatives participated in various technical sessions as key speakers. The event is being attended by more than 200 MSMEs.
During the Mega International Conference and Buyer Seller meet, various technical sessions are being organized to deliberate upon opportunities in EPR, Packaging technology, Bio-degradable packaging materials, Latest technology, business opportunity for packaging industry; Government schemes to support the growth of MSME in Packaging Industry, etc. In addition, B2B sessions, Buyer Seller meets are also being organized for technical collaboration with Indian MSMEs to have business linkages for export.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DPIIT sets up a Control Room to monitor the status of transportation and delivery of goods, manufacturing, and delivery of essential commodities
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade , under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has set up a control room to monitor in real time the status of transportation and delivery of goods, manufacturing, delivery of essential commodities to common man and the difficulties being faced by various stakeholders during the lockdown period from 25.3.2020 to 14.4.2020. In the event of any manufacturing, transporter, distributor, wholesaler or e-commerce companies facing ground level difficulties in transportation and distribution of goods or mobilization of resources, the same may be informed to the Department at the following telephone number/ email:-
Telephone: + 91 11 23062487
Email : controlroom-dpiit[at]gov[dot]in
The telephone number will be functional from 8 AM to 6 PM. The issues reported by various stakeholders will be taken up by the Department with the concerned state government, district and police authorities, and other concerned agencies.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Setting Up of Cargo Ports
Government of India has accorded in-principle approval for development of Major Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra by a Special Purpose Vehicle  incorporated under Companies Act, 2013 with Jawaharlal Nehru Port as lead partner. The Non-Major port is subject of State Maritime Boards/ State Government.
Government of India has not conducted any survey for new cargo projects in Gujarat. However, survey for development of Major Port at Vadhavan has been conducted in 2018 which includes Traffic survey, Marine survey, Land survey, Topography survey, Geotechnical Investigation for Marine & Land, Biodiversity survey and Fisheries survey. The expenditure for survey work of Vadhavan Port is approx. Rs. 5 crores.
Government of Andhra Pradesh had sought financial assistance for development of Ramayapatnam Port in lieu of development of Duggirajupatnam Port mentioned under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. However, State Government notified the port limits of Ramayapatnam as a Non-Major Port on 20.02.2020, which is subject of respective State Maritime Boards/ State Governments.
This information was given by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Deregulating labour law restrictions
The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2018-19 in Parliament today.
Deregulating labour law restrictions can create significantly more jobs, as seen by the recent changes in Rajasthan when compared to the rest of the states. The Survey states no major labour reforms were initiated by the states from 2007 to 2014. In 2014, Rajasthan was the first State that introduced labour reforms in the major Acts. Thereafter, many States followed Rajasthan. A comparison between the indicators for labour, capital and productivity of manufacturing firms makes it clear that flexibility labour laws creates a more conducive environment for growth of industry and employment generation. The States which are rigid in respect of their labour laws are suffering in all dimensions and are unable to create enough employment and cannot attract adequate capital into their States.
On average, plants in labour-intensive industries and in States that have transited towards more flexible markets are 25.4 per cent more productive than their counterparts in States which continue to have labour rigidities.
Size based Limitations posed by Key Labour Legislations
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S.No.
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Labour Acts
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Applicability of Establishments
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1
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Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Chapter V relating to strikes, lockouts, retrenchment, layoff
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Employing 100 or more workers
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2
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Trade Union Act, 2001 – Registration of trade unions
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Membership of 10 per cent or 100 workmen whichever is less
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3
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Industrial Employment  Act, 1946
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100 or more workmen
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4
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Factories Act, 1948
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10 or more workers with power and 20 or more workers without power
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5
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Contract Labour  Act, 1970
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20 or more workers engaged as contract labour
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6
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The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
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Employment in the schedule having more than 1000 workers in the State
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7
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Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 – ESI Scheme
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10 or more workers and employees monthly wage does not exceed Rs.21000/-
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8
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Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
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20 or more workers
Ministry of Culture
Culture Ministry launches three unique competitions to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
“Amrit Mahotsav must be filled with colours of art, culture, songs and music”: Prime Minister
Key Highlights:
- Ministry of culture is holding competitions for DeshbhaktiGeet writing, Rangoli Making and Lori writing nationwide, from Tehshil/Taluka level to National level
- The initiative was announced by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat dated 24th October 2021 and entries have been opened from 31st October 2021 on National Unity Day for public participation introduced by eminent personalities on social media.
- This comes under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav which is a unique initiative to celebrate and commemorate India’s 75 years of Independence.
‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India this far in its journey but also to India’s social, cultural, political and economic identity.
The initiative was announced by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat dated 24th October 2021 as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Prime Minister said that “Amrit Mahotsav must be filled with colours of art, culture, songs and music”. Following three activities have been taken up which will witness larger public participation:
- DeshbhaktiGeet writing
- Lori writing
- Rangoli making
Ministry of culture is holding a nationwide competition as #UnityInCreativity for all the above three activities starting from Tehshil/Taluka level to National level. The detailed guidelines for participation are available at ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’  website amritmahotsav.nic.in. This initiative aims to encourage participation so as to ensure substantive ‘Jan bhagidaari’.
These competitions were digitally introduced to public by eminent personalities like Bharat Ratna holder LataMangeshkarji tweeted for DeshbhaktiGeet competition, Oscar winner A.R Rahman did for Lori/Lullaby writing competition and Padma Shri SudarsanPattnaik did for Rangoli making competition. Followed by Home Ministry, Ministers of Culture, various media units of M/o I & B including PIB, AIR, DD, BoC; My Gov, various honourable ministers & ministries alongwith citizens posted about it.
This competition will go on for a couple of months and there will be great rewards to the winners. Exhorting people to participate in big numbers, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North East Region , Sri G Kishan Reddy posted about it.
The Minister says that the Prime Minister has expressed that our 75th year of independence through Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav should become a people’s movement. The Ministry of Culture is working with various ministries to identity such programmes and is working with communities at the grass-roots level to make it a celebration befitting the occasion.
Ministry of Education
MoU signed with Japan to refurbish the Japan Gallery of Rabindra Bharati Museum at Jorasanko Thakurbari
Kolkata, March 13, 2019
The Government of Japan is donating US $ 31,891  to the Rabindra Bharati University to renovate and modernize the Japan Gallery of Rabindra Bharati Museum at Jorasanko Thakurbari in Kolkata. A MoU was signed for this purpose between Consul General of Japan in Kolkata Mr. Masayuki Taga and Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University Prof. Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury, here today. The fund will be utilised for refurbishing the Japan Gallery of the Museum within a year.
Speaking on the occasion, the Consul-General of Japan said, this move will rejuvenate and strengthen the historical relations between the two rich cultures of both the countries. He said, Tagore is greatly revered as an important figure in bilateral and cultural history of India and Japan. Stating that Tagore visited Japan four times in the years 1916, 1917, 1924 and 1929, Mr Taga said, the Japan Gallery which was started 12 years ago and now, in the second phase of the project, the renovated and refurbished gallery will further strengthen Indo-Japan ties.